Conor McNally to host European TV debate

Published: April 29, 2014 - 4:06 pm

Former KCLR journalist Conor McNally has been chosen as co-presenter for European Commission Presidential Debate broadcast to over 30 countries.

Conor, who currently hosts RTÉ’s news2day, will present segments during the programme, showing the online conversation around the debate and giving Europe’s voters a chance to shape the discussion on Thursday 15th May 2014.

Project Leader Mike Mullane said: “I am delighted that RTÉ’s Conor McNally is co-presenting the first Eurovision Debate. Conor is an engaging, authoritative and amiable journalist with a rich understanding of the online world and social media.”

Commenting on the announcement, Conor McNally said: “European politics can often seem inaccessible so this is a really interesting way of getting people involved. Most of us use social media to share our opinions, but now those ideas and questions can help shape the debate on the future of the EU. In particular, this event will give people of my generation a chance to present their views in the way they feel most comfortable – at the touch of their fingers. For me personally, it’s an exciting adventure which will bring me right to the heart of European democracy and as a young journalist that is a very appealing prospect.”

The debate produced by Eurovision will be shown by more than 30 international broadcasters, including the BBC in the UK, ORF in Austria, RAI in Italy, TVE in Spain and RTP Portugal. It will be conducted in English, with simultaneous interpretation into 23 languages.

Conor is originally from Carlow town and graduated top of his class from the journalism degree course in Dublin City University. Conor started his journalism career at the age of 15 when he began writing monthly features for a classic car magazine, despite being unable to drive.

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